Detroit (WWJ) -- The Archdiocese of Detroit is getting a new archbishop.
Pope Benedict XVI has named Bishop Allen Henry Vigneron to succeed Cardinal Adam Maida. Maida submitted his resignation nearly four years ago when he turned 75 but stayed on at the Pope's request while a search for a successor was conducted.
The 60-year old Vigneron, currently working with the Diocese in Oakland, California, will officially take over as archbishop January 28th, and in a written statement expressed his gratitude to Pope Benedict, acknowledged Cardinal Maida’s welcome home, and addressed southeast Michigan’s economic struggle.
“I recognize that this challenge for our civic community is – as all societal problems are – a pastoral challenge as well. To that challenge,” he said, “I want to bring all the riches of grace which the Holy Spirit has bestowed on the Church,” he said. Maida will continue to serve as apostolic administrator of the archdiocese during this month’s transition.
Vigneron was born in Mt. Clemens and grew up in Immaculate Conception Parish, Anchorville. He attended Immaculate Conception Grade School before going on to Detroit’s Sacred Heart Seminary High School and College. Later, he studied at the Pontifical Gregorian University in Rome and the Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C.
Prior to being named Bishop of Oakland, California, in 2003, Archbishop-elect Vigneron was an auxiliary bishop for the Archdiocese of Detroit. His background includes assignments as rector/president of Sacred Heart Major Seminary, work in the Administrative Section of the Vatican Secretariat of State, and service as associate pastor at Our Lady Queen of Peace Parish, Harper Woods.
An estimated 1.4 million Catholics live in Metro Detroit.
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